Pages

December 26, 2010

After all the planning and organising, Christmas is over for another year, can you believe it? Talk about blink and you'd miss it. Mountains of wrapping paper that took me AGES to wrap around a multitude of presents has finally found its way to the recycling bin, joining the *ahem* slightly larger than usual number of empty bottles and aluminum cans. To be fair, I must mention that we had fourteen to sit down for Christmas lunch. It's not called Merry Christmas for nothing. *g*

But now another day has dawned in the Korol household, bringing with it a languid, peaceful lull that is always welcomed after the mad rush of the weeks before -- or maybe that's just me, I don't know. After being in a semi-permanent state of organisational stress, I'm just relishing the knowledge that it's bloody nice to Simply. Do. Nothing. I had already pre-warned all the Blokes Wot Live Here that on Boxing Day I wasn't lifting a finger at all, and by golly, I've stuck to my word. The couch and I have become gleefully re-acquainted; we've embraced each other like long-lost friends at our first high school reunion. *g*

Number 2 son has temporarily vacated the premises to stay at his cousin's place for the night, so perhaps that's why it seems extra specially quiet here today. Not that I'm complaining. On the contrary. I've blogged, checked Facebook several times, replied to emails, browsed eBay and Gumtree for post-Christmas bargains (it never ceases to amaze me what people put up to sell!) and watched about three minutes of TV to see that the wheels have well and truly fallen off the Aussie cricketers wagon (again) - it was 8/77 when *I* last looked. The poor old Provider was less than impressed, yet didn't budge from his comfortable horizontal position in front of the TV... rest for the post-Christmas body a bigger attraction than reaching for the remote it seems, lol.

I hope you guys all enjoyed your Christmas wherever you spent it and that Santa was good to you. Thanks for all your feedback on this blog too. I really appreciate it! Before I go for today though, let me leave you with this question - are you ready for the week to come before the next big celebration of New Year's Eve?

Me? I have a feeling it's just as well our recycling bin gets emptied before then. LOL.

November 28, 2010

Meet our beloved Princess, the short-haired Diva of the House, shown here flat out working the 'I haven't a care in the world' look.

And these are just some of the local birdlife who have been frequenting our back lawn for the tasty spoils of someone's uneaten crusts of breakfast toast or the few handfuls of wild bird seed mix I've been throwing out on the grass every day to encourage them to congregate. We get rainbow lorikeets, sparrows, waxeyes and magpies, the latter extra specially great because they eat pests from the lawn and keep the scourge of indian myna birds at bay. And they have such a lovely warbling tune, so uniquely Australian. *g*

However, this sudden influx of birds has been a source of irritation and/or frustration for our furry majestic one. She has her pride, after all. Note the attempt to assert authority over backyard as seen here:

And here:

﻿

It's almost too much for a royal Miss to bear, really. I couldn't help but laugh though, watching her. It was like she was saying to them: "I could have you, I totally could. But I choose NOT to. Just FYI."

November 18, 2010

I’m someone who is generally thought of as being ‘nice’. Even-tempered. Polite. Calm. These are just a few of the words I’ve heard people use to describe me. And that’s really lovely. I pride myself on the ability to continue to be nice even when my brain might be screaming blue murder or even thinking “OMG…blah, blah, blah!” It’s not easy but I do it. I figure the world needs more nice people nowadays, so I make the effort. With a smile. It costs nothing so why not? Like the saying goes: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

However, even all of my self control and social correctness is beginning to fail me every time I pick up the phone to hear another thick-accented telemarketer launching into their scripted spiel. They are the bane of my working-from-home life. And they are on the increase, big time. Telemarketers are like the cockroach of the advertising world, surviving the nuclear GFC explosion and mutating to become bigger and more pervasive, yet clinging to their original irritating mantra of calling at the least convenient moment. Whatever happened to the ‘Do Not Call’ phone list?? Julia?? Ploise explain.

As is my wont I have tried to be nice to these people. They are only doing their job I tell myself, as I listen to what they have to say and then, ever-so respectfully say “Look, thank you very much but I’m not interested, okay?” They’d then counter with a long list of reasons why I should talk to them, interspersed with me repeating that I really, truly wasn’t interested but thank you, anyway. Finally, after much too-ing and fro-ing, they’d eventually give up.

But did they appreciate my time and my unwillingness to rudely hang up in their ear? Oh no, they certainly did NOT. They ignored me and kept on talking, doggedly and slightly louder in volume, as though by sheer persistence they’d wear me down and I’d suddenly exclaim: “Why yes! I’d love to go to an investment seminar/refinance my house/talk about my holiday habits!" *eye rolls*

After an avalanche of these kinds of scenarios this week, I finally lost it. Mrs Nice & Sweet disappeared, only to be replaced by Mrs Curt & Abrupt.

*dun dun dun*

Mrs Curt & Abrupt was to the point. And very effective. As soon as she heard their whiny voices on the line, she firmly said “Not interested.” And promptly hung up. Click. Just like that. No further explanation, no pre-empted warning. While Mrs Nice & Sweet would never commit such atrocities of telephone etiquette, Mrs Curt & Abrupt couldn’t care less. She has no patience for this time-wasting caper, choosing the quickest method of disposal and moving on, leaving Mrs Nice & Sweet free to get back to her work, unbothered and in peace once more.

She's a bit of a revelation, Mrs Curt & Abrupt. Talk about cutting through the crap, she's like a hot knife running through butter. The Door Bitch of your phone. Anyone who doesn't pass muster is unceremoniously cut. CLICK. See you later. NOT. *g*

So to all telemarketers out there, let this be a warning to you. While I still remain Mrs Nice & Sweet (among other things, lol), I now have back up. And let me tell you - she means business!

November 17, 2010

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention ploise - it's time to go clothes shopping for the perfect wedding outfit (complete with hat, naturally) - we of the British Commonwealth have a royal wedding coming up on the social calendar!

Prince William has finally asked the eminently suitable (and obviously very patient) Kate to be his lawful, wedded wife. And she, in the very best of British accents, has delightedly said "Yes, of course." Awwww, they're so sweet. Such a lovely piece of news to hear because everyone loves a wedding, don't they? I most certainly do. It seems like forever since the last major Royal Nuptials -- and I had to look it up -- can you believe it's almost 30 years ago since Charles and Diana got married?

While beratingbegging awaiting William to pop the question, women's magazines in Australia have had to content themselves with speculating about the engagement, pre-empting announcements of the engagement, or rehashing the will they/won't they stories about the couple. Add to that, also printing gushing stories about the day-to-day exploits of 'Our' Mary (formerly of Australia's Tasmania but now living as Princess Mary of Denmark) or bringing us an 'exclusive' every time the hapless yet likeable Sarah Ferguson manages to do something stupid, it's been a royal flush of news! I bet those magazine staffers are burning the midnight oil now. The Wedding royal watchers (and the magazines) have been waiting for (and OMG, have they been waiting... something like 8 years!!) will be a day during the English summer in 2011. *sigh* How fabulous.

I wanted to mention the thing that stayed with me about this announcement - it was the news that Kate's engagement ring is the same one that belonged to Diana, the late Princess of Wales. The romantic in my soul absolutely LOVED this little fact. I think Diana would be thrilled to bits too. I adored that ring when I first saw it in 1981 - and probably explains why my own engagement ring is similar in design (although nowhere near the size or price of hers!!)

﻿

My lovely ring...

﻿

and my inspiration...

So congratulations to the thoroughly modern Will & Kate. They look so very happy and relaxed together and I wish them all the very best of British luck. *g* I'm a few months away from clocking up 16 years of marriage myself to the one and only Provider (OMG.. has it been that long already?) and honestly, I can't believe time has flown by so fast. He's one of the good ones but we still congratulate ourselves (jokingly!) for making it this far without calling in the lawyers, lol.

Will and Kate have a better chance than most modern royals today, given the length of time they've already spent together. However nothing in marriage - or life for that matter - is guaranteed, especially if you're a Windsor it seems. What is guaranteed in this case though, is the inevitable mass coverage of every last bit via the media. *sigh* Let's pray to God lessons from the past are well heeded.

November 2, 2010

A sad fact, but it's true. But try telling we fanatical rugby-watching All Black fans, breathless with anticipation for more glory after winning fifteen games straight. We're a demanding lot, you see. Those magic men who pull on the revered black jumper are well aware of the expectation however, and indeed, relish the chance to feed it. And dare I say it, we'd become pretty plump of late. So it was not surprising when a few million cries of "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!" echoed plaintively across the Tasman and joined my own wails of distress last Saturday night. OMG, say it ain't so! The shock we were feeling was all-encompassing.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as I sat transfixed to my screen, unable to tear my eyes away while the unimaginable unfolded and the Wallabies stole an incredible victory over my beloved AB's in the dying seconds of the game. Gah! The agony vs the ecstasy! It was sharp and bitter to taste and I can't say I enjoyed it terribly much. Naturally, The Provider did though. Cheeky bastard. :)

But in the cool and clear light of a new week, I think it could actually be a blessing in disguise. This was the loss we needed to have because it means we haven't peaked too soon. Statistically speaking, it's almost impossible to win EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. It just doesn't happen; the odds are stacked against you right from the start. 15 wins in a row was probably pushing the envelope - and when you're preparing for the Rugby Union World Cup in 2011, you want everything to be in alignment including statistical probability.

Being a winner all the time is not the way to go, obviously -- the mathematical odds will always beat you in the end, it's simply a matter of when. I give you Paul the Octopus - look what happened to him!

So look out you Wallabies. You might have got one over us this time, but we'll be back. Tougher. Stronger. Faster. There's only one thing more dangerous than an All Black side. And that's an All Black side with something to prove, and 2011's World Cup is the perfect place to do it. Bring it on, baby. *g*

September 27, 2010

You know what? It's a good thing for all the Blokes Wot Live Here that I can cook. And that I don't mind (usually) doing it. Because if I didn't, OMG. I hate to think. There'd be gnawing on furniture perhaps. Or maybe performances worthy of wee Oliver, complete with eyes the size of dinnerplates, asking forlornly for "More, please?" Or more likely, our freezers would be packed with the kinds of processed foods that Jamie Oliver would have a coronary over.

Like a lot of blokes, if mine have to do more than rip open the packet or open a tin and heat the contents, it's all much too hard. There are NO mini-Jamie's living in this house. Not yet anyway. I wonder if Jamie's newest child, a son, Buddy Bear Maurice (Google it... that's what they called him, truly ruly) will follow in his Dad's footsteps. Possibly not, as a way of getting back at his parents for their choice of name, lol.

I know I'm a good cook (many thanks to the Groovy Grandma for all her recipes over the years!) but am not racing off to apply to Masterchef or anything. Oh, ploise. *laughs at the bizarre notion* Seriously, as much as I'd love to meet the Gregarious Gourmets of the Masterchef World, there's no way I'd put myself through the meat grinder of reality TV for the nation's entertainment, thanks very much. You'd be much better served by snagging an invite to dinner at our house. *g*

But back to my point, my lucky Blokes. Having me. In my kitchen. When you live with a household of blokes there are a few things that are guaranteed:

1. Food and especially GOOD food -- one of the prime motivators of the male species. If they aren't looking to hunt it down, trap it and tear it apart, they're actually eating it and thinking about the next time they'll get to do just that.

2. Shopping -- of the food/grocery variety. I'm out there gathering supplies on a regular basis. Really regular basis. I often joke to people that one day I'll buy shares in Coles/Woolworths/Aldi... because I seem to spend so much time and an absolute fortune there! It seems never-ending sometimes. The way we're going, I'll end up needing to buy half a cow when we have a barbecue. And that'll be a problem...FFS, the trolley won't be big enough.

3. Anything sweet is HEAVEN on earth -- make a dessert for after dinner and you will have them in the palm of your hand. My boys are all very partial to something sweet and I figure if I make it, it'll have less food additives in it and also taste loads nicer. The power of a fruit crumble or lemon delicious cannot be underestimated!

So it's just as well, really. And I do like knowing that they're eating properly. Especially when Son #2 says to me, just before he cut himself another thick slab of homemade cake: "How come I'm hungry all the time, Mum? I just had dinner...." However, cue one satisfied smile as cake disappears. Hole in stomach filled, albeit temporarily.

September 15, 2010

Acronyms. Our world is full of them. Generation Y, those texting champions of the universe, can't live without them. Anything to shorten the length of time it takes to send out a VIT (very important text). Acronyms are everywhere and over everything, spreading faster than rumours of Brad and Angelina's next baby/divorce/threesome. We see them in TV show titles (NCIS, CSI, SVU, Cops LAC, need I go on?), they abound in the world of online blogging (see all of the above... okay, that last one I just made up... can you work it out? Answer below.) and are found in most forms of written material, especially in advertising.

Now I've been around the traps for a while and thought I'd seen and heard them all but tonight, I saw another one that nearly made me spit out my coffee before I LOLed very loudly, coughed and spluttered, and thought "WTF?", all the while pondering over what inspired this 'gem' of an idea from the copywriter/marketing genius who coined it.

Are you ready for it? Okay. Here it is: LBL.

LBL? Hmmmm... Long Boozy Lunches? Lucky Bitch Lawyer? How about Large Breasted Lady?

No. Try again: it's Light Bladder Leakage.

Yes, that's right. Get ready to see this term on every pack of pads in your local supermarket. In bright symbols splashed attractively in neon signage. LBL is the new black in feminine sanitary product advertising, apparently. Every slack-floored woman will want them. I mean, honestly - you should have seen how perky the woman in the commercial looked. Her pelvic floor obviously never had it so good. *g*

September 2, 2010

You would not believe how my life has been this past month. ZOMG. Try crazy. Frustrating. Heartbreaking. Stressful. More than slightly desperate. But mainly, bloody hard going. There have been more days that I care to remember in the last four weeks when I've woken up and silently pleaded with the universe: "Please, please, please... let today be a good day." As it stands, it's fairly safe to say that 2010 will be remembered as my family's 'Annus Horribilis'. Quite honestly, the Provider and I have definitely earned our parenting stripes these last few weeks; I feel like we need to have a day-long debrief session just to give ourselves time to catch our collective breaths. And then enjoy a drink. Or three.

That's life - or mine at least - and it goes on. As it should. But holy crap, who knew being a parent was this hard? And why the hell was this not mentioned in the glossy colour brochure? There's a saying somewhere that goes a little like this: 'God and/or Life never gives you more than you can handle.' *coughs* Can I just say that 'God and/or Life' has an over-inflated opinion of what I can deal with at one time? FFS. Give a girl a break. Yes, I survived (as did the Provider, without whom I would not have coped, bless him) but there were moments when I felt powerless and totally unable to change the course of events unfolding around us. So not fun.

While I realise you can never be totally prepared for what the future brings, it definitely helps if you've got good people around you. I'm very fortunate in that I do. There's nothing like a bit of drama to bring out the best in some people and I can't help but wonder if maybe that's the upside in this whole thing. Never knowing what we're capable of until it gets right down to the wire. Finding out how well we cope under a bit of pressure. (I think we managed okay. *g*)

However, after a month of more twists and turns than a Cedar Point roller coaster I'm quite happy to have a little less excitement around here, at least for a little while. I'm just getting back to sleeping better at night. *g*

July 22, 2010

They say the simplest things in life are often the best. And the older I get, the more I think they are right. So often we are bogged down with the minutinae of everyday life and the luxury to stop for a second just isn't there. Some days it's all I can do to get the house in order, dinner sorted for that night and paperwork attended to in the office. Stopping for a second to spend some 'let it be' time is simply not possible and is the furthest thing from my mind!

I mention this because I am having an incredibly self-indulgent second visit to New Zealand (courtesy of The Provider's insistence that I do it, God love him) to attend a 30th reunion of a radio station that I used to work for over 20 years ago. I'm here for a week so it's officially 'let it be' time as of now. Very conveniently, JT and his Gorgeous Girl live an hours drive away from where the reunion is being held so I'm hanging out here for a few days with them. The Sweet Pea has grown so much in the 6 weeks it's been since I saw her last - her gurgles and smiles are truly life-changing for the lucky beholder. :)

I have brought my camera so shall record a few shots of the stunning - and OMG, I had forgotten how stunning it is - scenery in Queenstown. Stay tuned, darlings. I will share some pics SOON.

July 14, 2010

It starts with a tickle. Innocent enough. Could be anything, dust, something in the air. But soon, it progresses to a sneeze. And then another one. And another. A few minutes later, your eyes are watering like a rampant river and you realise - with a frustrated sigh - that it's time to head to the medicine cabinet and grab the Telfast STAT.

I am, of course, talking about hayfever. And despite the fact that we are still in the middle of WINTER, this morning I have awoken to find myself afflicted with that familiar dull ache across my sinus cavities. (WTF??) So much for being a spring-time thing! I thought I had a few months off at least!

The culprit is the decidedly fickle Mother Nature, a huge fan of keeping people on the hop. She's one twitchy temperamental chick, isn't she? It's been blowing a gale around here over the last 18 hours, so naturally my sensitive nasal hairs have detected the change in the air quality - could it be pollen blown up from Victoria perhaps? Gee, thanks. *g*

Interestingly, I never used to be this way when I was younger - I had 21 sneeze-free years in New Zealand until I settled here in my early 20's. Who'd have known that as well as having 7 out of the top 10 most dangerous species on earth, Australia would have something 'extra' in the air as well. The lucky country? Hmmm. LOL.

July 7, 2010

I was walking through the frozen food section of my local supermarket yesterday when an older lady, probably close to the age of the Groovy Grandma and shopping with her daughter, complimented me on the sparkly stitching design adorning the back pockets of my jeans. It had really caught her eye, she said, and she just had to tell me how lovely it was. It caught me off-guard for a second before I recovered and smiled, thanking her and adding that I'd forgotten about it as the design wasn't actually where *I* could see it! We both laughed at that as her daughter looked on rather bemused, then continued on with our shopping, sharing a smile over the rows of checkouts as our gazes happened to meet thirty or so minutes later.

How many of us do that? I don't mean look at strange women's backsides at the supermarket, lol - but talk to someone you don't know? It was such a simple thing - sharing an observation or thought - but it was a real highlight, her words a welcome burst of colour in the beige world of food shopping.

The Groovy Grandma was, and still is, a Master of the Chat. Much to the absolute horror of my brother, JT, and I, especially when we were young. "Go shopping with Mum and the shop assistant could end up knowing all kinds of stuff about you," the teenaged JT would complain. "She tells them ANYTHING!" I'd be looking on with much sympathy, remembering my own experiences of the same - the woman at the school uniform shop knowing way more about me than I felt she needed to, immediately springing to mind. Meanwhile, Mum would just shrug her shoulders. To her it was just conversation; a mother talking to another mother and what was wrong with that? (Now that I have kids, I understand this of course, but at the time? OMFG. Supreme embarrassment.)

I find myself chatting to people I don't know quite often, though. Whether it's standing in line at the bank, chatting to the taxi driver, or swapping a few words with the old lady who often walks past our house. In this day and age, it's certainly not as common as it used to be; people tend to be more private and tight-lipped nowdays, especially in the cities. I'd like to think it's not like that in the country, though.

It is interesting to note, however, that despite all of the above I am becoming more and more like the Groovy Grandma as I get older. My kids better watch out. I'm quite possibly just as chatty. *g*

June 6, 2010

This is Blenheim, where my mother - the Groovy Grandma - lives. It is a small town situated near the top of New Zealand's south island and lies smack bang in the middle of the Marlborough wine district, an area well-known for its world-class savignon blancs. It is also, very fortuitously for me, the home of Oyster Bay wines... so you can bet I'll be popping over for a wee visit before I leave here. *g*

Today, however, finds the rain beating a rhythmic thrum on the roof of my mother's house so we have planned to spend a day inside. Our gorgeous Sweet Pea has been fed and wrapped; currently she is enjoying a cuddle with the Groovy Grandma whilst waiting for some pesky hiccups to subside. The contented look on my mother's face says it all. :o)

Seriously, you can't get better than this. I feel very lucky to share these special early days; you really can't put a price on things like that, can you? My brother is a very happy man these days - and rightly so. It's a pretty awesome thing when all the planets align and life just works. Meeting the Gorgeous Girl for the first time has been a joy for me, too - I am thrilled to reveal she is truly as her moniker here suggests. It seems incredible to say but even though I've only known her for a few days, it seems like we are already close - she has a warm heart and a beautiful soul and along with their Sweet Pea, I just love them already. *g* It will be very hard to say goodbye to this new little family when they leave for home on Monday. :(

Spoke to The Provider last night and it sounds like things are running (more or less) like clockwork... he has even fixed a few things around the house that I have been waiting for him to do for a looong time so perhaps this means I need to go away more often! LOL. Nice to know that they're all okay, though... means I can relax a little easier. *g*

May 29, 2010

It has been a most exciting time here this week. The circle of life has continued for us as we welcomed with great joy (and a few happy tears) the much-anticipated arrival of the newest member of our family - a beautiful and precious daughter for JT and his Gorgeous Girl. This dark-haired Sweet Pea is already the apple of her parent's eyes. *g*

With a big thank you to The Provider who will be holding the fort while I'm away, I leave for New Zealand to see them all this week (as if I could have stayed away, lol). I can't wait! There is something about a newborn baby that always turns my heart to mush and when it's a close relative, it seems even more pronounced. Despite the fact that my own baby-making days are well and truly past me (and trust me, I am more than totally okay with that!) I can't help being hypnotised by the cast of their spell. Babies are such treasures in my eyes. I love their unique, delicate, newborn scent, the way their tiny fingers are wont to curl so tight around one of your own and their complete and utter trust they willingly give in your arms to hold, protect and nuture. It's truly a wondrous thing.

My mother, a very Groovy Grandma, is over the moon with her new granddaughter, as you can imagine. We've been gushing back and forth over the phone so much, it's been hilarious. *g* While I know she adores her grandsons Hewie, Dewie & Louie to death, the arrival of our dear Sweet Pea now means she is finally free to make that fairy princess quilt she's had her eye on for years! Up until now it's been all action figures, skate-boarding and sports, lol.

May 24, 2010

We all have to do it several times every day, be it for the barista to make our morning coffee, for the traffic lights to turn green, for the young female teller at the bank to actually serve someone or, for the woman who lives in my neighbourhood trying to parallel park her massive European 4WD with a series of 18 point turns. *facepalm* Seriously. I'm dying to tell her to get out and let ME park it for her.

Some people are better at waiting than others. Are they just used to it? Is it a temperament thing? And are women better at waiting than men? Not sure about that one. I'm usually pretty easy-going with the whole waiting thing but this week has been filled to the brim with waiting, testing even my (normally) cool head.

Waiting for my internet to connect/speed up/just-bloody-go-goddammit!, waiting for the boys to do whatever-the-hell-it-is-that-I've-asked-them-to-do, waiting for that particular person to transfer that payment as promised... or waiting for our accountant to get back to us and break it (hopefully, very gently) to The Provider and I exactly how much we have to pay Kev and the Tax Office this year. *resigned sigh* .

This, naturally, will lead to the next thing - waiting for The Provider to start the inevitable stressing out over the news... WHATEVER it is. *rolls eyes* Give me strength. My half-hearted (and clearly unwise, lol) attempt to lighten the mood with a quip that 'it was only money and we should keep things in perspective... others are worse off than we are, you know' was NOT received very well. *coughs*

But, there is one good thing (thank God!) that will be definitely worth waiting for and that is the news that my newest niece/nephew has arrived into the world! *bounces* My brother, JT, and his Gorgeous Girl are going to be first-time parents ANY DAY now. This momentous occasion has been a loooong time in coming so as you can imagine, excitement levels are almost to the point of global warming. Booties and matinee jackets are being knitted... clothing in gender non-specific lemon, soft green and white are being amassed... toys and baby paraphenalia are being stock-piled.... whilst we're all desperately trying not to phone/email/text them with the sixty-four-thousand dollar question: 'Is the baby here yet?' LOL.

May 18, 2010

I wrote just under 500 words yesterday. And it felt good. Like really good. Rereading it this morning, I'm still excited about what's there on the page. I worried that I might hate it but actually I don't - plot ideas are even popping into my head like crazy and that hasn't been the case for a quite some time. :o)

Another writing friend of mine spoke recently of plotting out her entire novel on Post-it notes that were stuck on the wall in front of her writing space. I fell in love with this idea (thankyou Tanya!) and think this may be the thing to help me get the bones of my story 'nailed down' before I start to flesh it out.

So. *deep breath* I've finally made a start and now it is recorded for posterity (and accountability!) here.

May 14, 2010

Okay, I may be slightly over-exaggerating (writer's perogative, okay?) but after 5 days I'm here to tell you I have a serious crush happening. There's an air of anticipation putting a spring in my step and a smile on my face. And at the end of every day I'm left with the joy of knowing that tomorrow it'll happen all over again if I want it to. *g*

My boys gave me a slow cooker last Sunday for Mother's Day. Believe or or not, this was a present I'd chosen for myself ... after seeing a good friend of mine create dinner for her family in 15 minutes flat, just before we sat down to a morning coffee! She'd get on with the rest of her day and by 6 pm it would have become a delicious dinner for 5. Voila!

I know slow cookers aren't a new idea. They've been around for years - in fact, I remember my mother having one of them when I was as a kid. (I think they were called crock pots back then.) But you see, I'd never experienced the joy of owning one. And oh, my God. What joy. I've gotta tell you there is a lot to be said about knowing while I'm ferrying kids to and from rugby training, dinner is taking care of itself! (Unlike the mountains of washing, damn it all to hell.)

So we've had some pretty awesome dinners this week. And I've got some brand new cookbooks to peruse and new recipes to try out. It's been really fun so far. But the highlight was notoriously selective-foodie Louie eating something he'd never had before, and totally loving it! *high fives*

May 12, 2010

It's me, coming to you from my very own little blog! *dances* Welcome to What Sarah Did Next:. Have some cake!

I'm no stranger to writing things and posting them online but this is the first time I've actually had a 'blog', so to speak. So many people I know seem to have them and love journalling their thoughts and ideas there so I'm hoping my experience will be the same. I figure that if nothing else it will be a way to keep me accountable to myself regarding my writing and that, my friends, has gotta be a good thing. God knows I sometimes need a push in that department.

So. Here we all are then. *looks around her new neighbourhood and smiles*

Now I have no set ideas about what I might talk about, or if it'll actually be of any interest to anyone other than myself, lol, but I'm going to be brave and throw caution to the wind; life's too short and all that.

Already I'm loving it though because I discovered one of the main perks of having your own blog: if you want to make it all about yourself you can. (People may not want to read it, but that's okay!) You are the priority. You don't have to write what someone else wants; in here, it's all up to you. What a wonderful thought --finally, there is a place in my male-dominated life where it CAN be all about me. Hallelujah. *g*